The Executioner (2009)

In the bleak and unforgiving confounds of a formidable penitentiary, Jae-kyung, a fresh-faced prison guard, is thrust into a world of harsh realities, hardened criminals, and merciless protocol. His initiation is severe, a baptism by fire that paints a picture of the trials that lie ahead in his grim profession. The jail's atmosphere is charged with tension, a product of Jong-ho's relentless severity towards the inmates. Jong-ho's reputation for being strict to the point of outrageousness casts a chilling shadow over the prison's concrete walls. As Christmas draws near, a chilling order stirs a storm within the prison - an execution, the first in twelve long years, scheduled to take place. The prospect of playing the role of the executioner becomes a grim test for the guards, instilling a sense of hostility and unease. Amidst the turmoil, it is the iron-willed Jong-ho who steps forward to volunteer, revealing a stark contrast to the reluctance surrounding him. Despite the hostile environment, Jae-kyung begins to uncover an unexpected layer to Jong-ho, a man seemingly as cold as the prison bars. Amidst the heartless facade, he glimpses sparkles of humanity, offering a paradoxical ray of hope in an otherwise dehumanized existence. The impending execution, while threatening to cast a dark cloud over their lives, becomes a crucible that brings out the most profound aspects of their personalities, challenging their understanding of duty, morality, and their own selves. "The Executioner" weaves a gripping tale of two guards caught in the eye of a moral storm, providing a haunting exploration of human nature against the backdrop of an unforgiving prison system.

The Executioner is a drama movie featuring Cho Jae-hyun and directed by Jin Ho Choi.

The Executioner is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on KoreaOnDemand and Tubi TV.